Living with missing teeth not only makes it challenging to chew and speak properly, but it can also interfere with your ability to smile with confidence. With dental implants, we offer our patients an opportunity to improve their dental health, the function of their smile, and their self-confidence.
The Advantages of Dental Implants
- Eat what you want without concern by relying on the strength of your implants to enjoy all your favorite foods again.
- Smile confidently with custom-crafted restorations that blend seamlessly with your natural teeth.
- Prevent jawbone deterioration and preserve your natural facial structure.
- Enjoy a permanent restoration that only requires you to care for it as you would your natural teeth.
- Implants are designed to feel as good as they look, giving you a secure and comfortable fit.
Are You a Good Candidate for This Restoration?
Dental implants are typically the most effective tooth replacement option, but they aren’t always a suitable restoration option. You may be a good candidate for dental implants if:
- Your jawbone is strong enough to support a surgically implanted dental post.
- You have no active gum disease or any decayed teeth or cavities.
- You are in good overall health with no uncontrolled chronic conditions.
- Your jaw is fully developed (this tends to happen between the ages of 16 and 18).
During your initial consultation, we’ll examine your teeth, jaw, bite, gums, and overall oral and general health to determine if dental implants are the best option for your restoration. If you suffer from other issues, such as gum disease, we may opt to first treat your existing conditions to give you a better chance of a successful procedure.
Explore Your Implant Options
Are You Missing a Single Tooth?
We offer high-quality single-tooth dental implants to restore function to your bite and enhance the aesthetics of your smile. This single implant will be placed in the jawbone and topped with either a crown or bridge once healed.
Are You Missing Multiple Teeth?
We may recommend multiple dental implants to create an “implant bridge,” which will serve as a strong support foundation for replacing multiple missing teeth in a specific area. This option can also be more economical if you have an isolated area of missing teeth that is surrounded by natural teeth.
Are You Missing a Full-Arch of Teeth?
Unlike removable dentures, full-mouth dental implants are anchored into the jawbone to help create a secure fit that feels natural. They are also more comfortable. Implant dentures—like our other implant options—are custom-crafted to enhance the appearance of your smile.
What To Expect During Your Procedure
A Thorough Consultation
Placing your implants will involve a few steps, starting with a thorough examination of your oral health. If we determine that you are a suitable candidate for dental implants, we’ll use advanced digital scanning to create an impression of your oral structures. This is part of a detailed implant mapping plan, which allows us to create the most accurate and natural-fitting results.
Preparing for Your Restoration
Dr. Ma will prepare your mouth for dental implant surgery, which may require extractions or the eradication of any active gum disease. On the day of your surgery, we’ll get you comfortable and use local anesthesia to numb the area. If you have anxiety about dental procedures, you can discuss sedation options with our team. Dr. Ma will then carefully make incisions deep in the gum and strategically place the implants in the jawbone.
The Healing Process
Once the titanium posts are surgically placed into the selected areas, they will fuse to the jawbone over the next several months in a process called osseointegration. In many cases, temporary restorations can be placed on the implant posts during this time to keep your smile looking beautiful while you heal.
Finalizing Your New Smile
After osseointegration is complete, you will return to our dental office to have the permanent custom crowns, bridge, or denture placed. Our dentist will then perform any final touch-ups necessary to ensure your new implants are comfortable and flatter your smile.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long will my implant last?
Dental implants are designed to be a permanent restoration. With that in mind, they need the same amount of care that your natural teeth would to last. Make sure to brush your teeth at least twice a day for two minutes or more, floss regularly, and attend regular dental check-ups.
Will anyone be able to tell I have prosthetic teeth?
No! Your crowns, bridges, and dentures will look indistinguishable from natural teeth. We’ll ensure your restorations match the shape, size, and color of your other teeth for a seamless and natural result.
How much do dental implants cost?
Each smile is different, and each dental implant procedure at our practice is customized to meet individual dental health needs and aesthetic goals. As such, the cost of dental implants will vary based on a number of factors, including:
- The number of teeth being replaced
- The specific type of materials utilized
- The extent and complexity of the treatment
- Any additional techniques performed during the procedure
Once your customized treatment plan is developed, a member of our team can produce a cost estimate and answer your questions about payment options. We accept a variety of payment methods, including third-party dental financing plans available for qualified applicants that can provide a way to pay for dental implant treatment over time.
The Best Restoration for Your Smile
We understand the challenges of living with missing teeth… Our team wants to provide you with a clear path to complete your smile. Get in touch with Dr. Cornehl, and our team will guide you through every step of the implant process.